Device for offsetting prosthetic components

ABSTRACT

An offset alignment device with a longitudinal axis is provided that can offset two prosthetic components a selected distance along an alignment axis that is selectably oriented in a plane that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and can also adjust the distance between the two prosthetic components in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. The present invention comprises first and second members. The first member has a channel and the second member has a bar for being adjustably connected to the channel along the alignment axis. A set screw can be through a hole in the wall of the channel in a direction generally perpendicular to the alignment axis to contact the bar and hold it stationary within the channel. One or both of the first and second members can be rotatably connected to one or both of the first and second prosthetic components, respectively.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a device for offsetting two prostheticcomponents that are connected to opposite ends of the present inventionwherein the first prosthetic component is offsetable in both theanterior-posterior and the lateral-medial directions from the secondprosthetic component a selected distance along a single offsetting axis.

2. Description of the Related Art

Sometimes, due to accidents, health problems, birth defects, etc.,people 5 need to have a limb 6 amputated. The amputated limb 6terminates in a stump 7. In general, a socket 10 can be formed for anyparticular stump 7. Those sockets 10 are well known in the art, and eachsocket 10 has a central axis 11.

Fortunately for people requiring a prosthetic limb, much advancement hasbeen made in the field of prosthetic limbs. Patients now have manychoices, including endoskeletal and exoskeletal prosthetic limbs. Thepresent invention relates generally to endoskeletal prosthetic limbs.That is, limbs comprised of structural components and that may have anoptional aesthetic outer shell.

In the case of a prosthetic leg and foot combination, it is desirablethat the prosthetic components of the leg be in predetermined angularalignment with respect to the prosthetic components of the foot. Thiscan be accomplished by using angular alignment devices. One device ofthis type is a pyramidal adapter for use with a fixed angle connector,and is manufactured by Otto Bock having part number 4R56. This device,as well as other alignment devices, may work well for their intendedpurpose, but their use carries with them some undesirable consequences.Notably, even if proper angular alignment of the lower components isachieved with these types of devices, the lower components may be offsetfrom the upper components and from the person's residual limb in thelateral direction 15, the medial direction 16, the anterior direction 17and/or the posterior direction 18.

The lower components can be out of alignment with the upper prostheticcomponents or the residual limb for other reasons as well. For example,the particular geometry of a person's limb 6 and stump 7 may cause theprosthetic components to be in an improper offset alignment, even if theprosthetics are connectable to the stump in a proper angular alignment.

The person's ability to comfortably walk can be compromised when theprosthetic components are in an offset alignment. One problem thatoccurs when the prosthetic components are offset is that the person'sgait is affected. This is most prevalent when the prosthetic componentsare offset in either of the anterior or posterior direction.

Another problem associated with offset prosthetic components is that theperson's weight may not be centered over the lowermost prostheticcomponents. This can affect not only the person's comfort, but also cancause unintended stress concentrations to develop within the prostheticlimb. This may lead to damage to or failure of the prosthetic limb.

Some advances have been made in attempting to overcome the drawbacks.For example, United States Pat. No. RE 36,521 to Hiemisch discloses aconnecting part between leg prosthesis components. The connecting parthas an adjusting element eccentrically positioned upon a rectangularflange. A user can select how to orient the flange with respect to theprosthesis components. However, there are only four possibilities thatthe flange can be oriented to with respect to a component connected tothe flange. Hence, the connecting part provides for only limitedadjustability, and provides for no adjustability other than due to theinterfaces between the connecting part and the other prostheticcomponents.

A pair of components having dovetail connections is made by HosmerDorrance Corporation under the name Spectrum Alignment System. Examplesof these components include a pyramid receiver with female dovetail forconnecting to a pyramid receiver with male dovetail. A side shift screwis provided. The side shift screw has a head with a rib that rests in agroove in the female dovetail section. The threaded end of the screw isreceived within a hole in the male dovetail section. The screw headremains laterally stationary relative to the female dovetail section asthe screw is twisted. However, the male dovetail section translatestowards or away from the screw head as the screw is twisted, dependingon which way the screw is twisted. Three screws and ball bearings areshown to guide the male end within the female end. The ball bearings areanti-friction devices that reduce friction between the female and maledovetail sections, which encourage movement of the male end within thefemale end when the side shift screw is twisted. The structuralintegrity of the dovetail connection is determined solely by thestrength of the ribs on the screw head. If the screw head fails, theentire component could fail.

A further undesirable aspect of the Hossmer Dorrance Corporationcomponents is that an adapter is needed to allow for adjustments to bemade in both the lateral-medial directions and the anterior-posteriordirections. In this regard, one pair of male and female dovetailcomponents are needed for adjustment in each of the lateral-medial andanterior-posterior directions. These components are not shown to becapable of adjustment in the both the lateral-medial directions and theanterior-posterior directions by making an adjustment along a singleaxis.

A still further undesirable aspect of the Hossmer Dorrance Corporationcomponents is that those components are not shown to be extendable oradjustable in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis ofthe prosthetic components that they connect to. Due to this lack ofadjustability, the Hossmer Dorrance Corporation components are incapableof being used to selectably adjust the length of a prosthetic limb. Thismay lead to unsatisfactory results unless the other components used incombination with the Hossmer Dorrance Corporation components are capableof making longitudinal adjustments, or unless the other components areexactly properly sized, so that the prosthetic limb will have a correctlength.

Thus, there exists a need for an offset alignment device that solvesthese and other problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an offset alignment device with alongitudinal axis that is capable of singularly offsetting twoprosthetic components a selected distance along an alignment axis thatis selectably oriented in a plane that is generally perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis, and is also capable of adjusting the distance betweenthe two prosthetic components that are connected to the presentinvention in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis ofthe offset alignment device.

This is accomplished by providing a first member that is connectable toa first prosthetic component. The first member has an end comprising achannel. A second member is also provided, and is connectable to asecond prosthetic component. The second member has a bar for beingadjustably connected to the first member along an alignment axis. Atleast one set screw can be through a hole in the wall of the channel ina direction generally perpendicular to the alignment axis to contact thebar and hold it stationary within the channel.

One or both of the first and second members can be rotatably connectedto one or both of the first and second prosthetic components,respectively. In this regard, the alignment axis can be adjusted to anydesired orientation lying within a plane generally perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the offset alignment device. Therefore, adjustmentscan be made in both the lateral-medial and the anterior-posteriordirections by adjusting the present invention along a single axis.

A further advantage of the present invention is that it can be used toadjustably displace the first prosthetic component relative to thesecond prosthetic component. The alignment axis will be in its desiredalignment in the plane generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axiseach ½ turn of the present invention on the threaded end of first orsecond prosthetic component. This adjustability allows the presentinvention to correct for imperfect length determinations of the otherprosthetic components, such as a pylon.

Other advantages, benefits, and features of the present invention willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detaileddescription of the preferred embodiments of the present invention andstudying the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration ofexisting prosthetic components.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the existing components shown in FIG. 1showing an offset of the components when assembled.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an exploded end view of the present invention shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an exploded side view of the present invention shown in FIG.4.

FIG. 7 is an end view of the present invention shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention taken alongline 8-8 in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the present invention shown in FIG. 3 and in analigned position.

FIG. 10 is similar to FIG. 9, but shows the present invention in a firstoffset alignment.

FIG. 11 is similar to FIGS. 9 and 10, but shows the present invention ina second offset alignment.

FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the present invention shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the present invention shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention showing a pyramidal receiver.

FIG. 15 is a top view of the present invention shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 16 is a top view of the present invention shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 17 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention showing an internally threaded clamp.

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the present invention shownin relation to existing prosthetic components.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the present invention connected toprosthetic components and used to adjustably eliminate the offsetbetween two prosthetic components.

FIG. 20 is a close up side view of the present invention as shown inFIG. 19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While the invention will be described in connection with a preferredembodiment, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit theinvention to that embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to coverall alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be includedwithin the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appendedclaims.

The present invention is intended for use with a prosthetic limb. Aperson 5 having a limb 6 terminating in a stump 7 may have prostheticlimb. A conventional set up is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, where theprosthetic limb has a socket 10 with a socket central axis 11 and an end12. The socket 10 can be angularly offset from the remainder of theprosthetic component by angle alpha. A three prong adapter 30 havingprongs 31, an internally threaded end 32 and a central axis 33 can beconnected to the socket 10.

Another component, such as a pyramidal adapter 35 can be connected tothe three prong adapter 30. The pyramidal adapter 35 has an externallythreaded end 36, a pyramidal end 37 and a central axis 38. Theexternally threaded end 36 is connected to the internally threaded end32 of the three prong adapter 30. When the pyramidal adapter 35 and thethree prong adapter 30 are connected, their respective central axis 33and 38 are generally parallel.

A pylon with a fixed receiver 40 can be further connected to thepyramidal adapter 35 in a conventional manner. The pylon with a fixedreceiver 40 has a fixed receiver 41 for connected to the pyramidal end37 of the pyramidal adapter 35. The pylon with a fixed receiver 40further comprises a pylon 42 having a central axis 43. The central axis43 can be angularly offset from the central axis 38 of the pyramidaladapter 35 by angle beta. A person can adjustably select angle beta suchthat it is equal and opposite of angle alpha. In this regard, centralaxis 43 of the pylon with a fixed receiver 40 can be made parallel to,albeit offset from, the central axis 11 of the socket. As best shown inFIG. 2, this offset amount delta, can be in the lateral direction 15,the medial direction 16, the anterior direction 17 and the posteriordirection 18.

Turning now to the present invention, an offset alignment device 50 isprovided. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the offset alignment device 50generally has a first member 55 and a second member 75. The offsetalignment device 50 further has a longitudinal axis 51 and an offsettingaxis 52 that lies in a plane 53. Plane 53 is preferably generallyperpendicular to longitudinal axis 51. The offset alignment device 50 ispreferably made of steel or titanium allow. However, it can be made ofother materials without departing from the broad aspects of the presentinvention. Further, the offset alignment device 50 is preferably made ina computer numeric controlled, or CNC, process. However, the offsetalignment device 50 can be made by different processes without departingfrom the broad aspects of the present invention.

Looking now at the offset alignment device 50 of the present inventionin more detail, a first member 55 is provided. As best shown in FIGS.5-11, 15 and 16, the first member 55 has a first end 60. The first end60 of the first member 55 has a connector 61. In a preferred embodiment,the connector 61 has an exterior surface 62 that is threaded withthreads 63. The first member 55 also has a second end 65. The second end65 of the first member 55 has a channel 66 therethrough. The channel 66has a channel longidudinal axis 67 that is preferably generally parallelto the offset alignment device 50 offsetting axis 52, and preferablygenerally perpendicular to the offset alignment device 50 longitudinalaxis 51. The channel 66 has a first side 68, a second side 69 and a base70. The first side 68 and second side 69 preferably extend from the base70 at inwardly converging angles. However, the first side 68 and secondside 69 could alternatively be generally perpendicular to the base 70.One or more screw holes 71 can be through the second end 65 from theexterior of the second end and into the channel 66. In a preferredembodiment, there is one screw hole 71 into the first side 68 of thechannel 66 and one screw hole 71 into the second side 69 of the channel.The screw holes 71 are preferably oriented generally perpendicular tothe channel longitudinal axis 67. Screws 72 are provided for beinginserted into each screw hole 71.

A second member 75 is also provided as is best shown in FIGS. 5-13. Thesecond member 75 has a first end 80. The first end 80 of the secondmember 75 has a connector 81. In a preferred embodiment, the connector81 comprises a pyramid 82. The second member 75 also has a second end85. The second end 85 of the second member 55 comprises a bar 86. Thebar 86 defines a bar longitudinal axis 87. The bar longitudinal axis 87is preferably generally parallel to the offset alignment device 50offsetting axis 52, and preferably generally perpendicular to the offsetalignment device 50 longitudinal axis 51. The bar 86 has a first side88, a second side 89 and a top 90. The bar 86 is preferably shapedcomplimentary to the channel 66 of the first member 55 of the offsetalignment device 50. In this regard, the first side 88 and the secondside 89 of the bar 86 preferably diverge from one another as they extendtowards the top 90 of the bar. Alternatively, the first side 88 andsecond side 89 of the bar 86 could be generally perpendicular to the top90 of the bar 86.

The first member 55 is designed to adjustably connect to the secondmember 75. In a preferred embodiment, this is accomplished by slidingthe bar 86 of the second member 75 into the channel 66 of the firstmember 55. When connected in this manner, the bar longitudinal axis 87is generally parallel to the channel longitudinal axis 67. As shown inFIGS. 10 and 1, the first member 55 can be adjusted either right to afirst offset alignment or left to a second offset alignment with respectto the second member 75 to a longitudinal offset distance delta. Screws72 can be inserted through screw holes 71 on the second end 65 of thefirst member 55. The screws 72 contact sides 88 and 89 of the bar 86 tofrictionally hold the first member 55 stationary with respect to thesecond member 75.

The first member 55 is connectable to first prosthetic component. In apreferred embodiment, where the first member has a connector 61comprising a threaded exterior surface 62, the first prostheticcomponent preferably has a complimentary internally threaded end. Oneexample is a conventional three prong adapter 30 with internallythreaded end 32. However, other prosthetic components with internallythreaded ends could be used instead of the three prong adapter 30without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. Inthis regard, the first end 60 is threadably and rotatably connected tothe first prosthetic component. Hence, the channel longitudinal axis 67is adjustable to any selected orientation with respect to the firstprosthetic component. The channel longitudinal axis 67 will return tothe same selected orientation with respect to the first prostheticcomponent after each successive ½ revolution of the first member 55 withrespect to the first prosthetic component. However, the channel willmove closer to or away from the first prosthetic component depending onwhether the first member 55 is threaded further onto the threaded end ofthe first prosthetic component.

The second member 75 is connectable to a second prosthetic component. Ina preferred embodiment, where the second member 75 has a connector 81comprising a pyramid 82, the second prosthetic component preferably hasa pyramidal receiver. One suitable example is a conventional pylon withfixed receiver 40 with a pyramidal receiver 41. However, otherprosthetic components with pyramidal receivers can be used withoutdeparting from the broad aspects of the present invention. The pyramid82 of the second member 75 is angularly adjustable relative to thepyramidal receiver in the conventional manner.

According to an alternative preferred embodiment of the presentinvention shown in FIG. 14, the second member 75 can comprise analternative first end 100. The first end 100 has a connector 101 thatcomprises a receiver 102. The receiver 102 is a pyramidal receiverhaving screw holes 103 for receiving screws 104. In this regard,alternative first end 100 is intended for use with a prostheticcomponent comprising a pyramid (not shown).

According to a further alternative preferred embodiment of the presentinvention shown in FIG. 17, the first member 55 can comprise analternative first end 110. The alternative first member first end 110has a connector 11 that comprises an internally threaded clamp 112. Theclamp 112 has threads 113 and a screw 114. The alternative first memberfirst end 10 is intended for use with a prosthetic component having anexternally threaded end. In this regard, the first member 55 is stilladjustably and rotatably connected to the prosthetic component.

It is contemplated that both of the first member 55 and the secondmember 75 can be rotatably connected to the first and second prostheticcomponents.

The offset alignment device 50 of the present invention can replaceexisting components, or can be used in addition to existing prostheticcomponents, as space warrants. Nevertheless, no non-conventionalcomponents are necessary to use the offset alignment device 50 of thepresent invention with existing prosthetic components.

Turning now to use of the offset alignment device 50 of the presentinvention, best shown in FIGS. 18-20, the alignment device 50 aligns twoprosthetic components that are connected to it. In this regard, theoffset alignment device 50 is capable of adjusting a distance delta toovercome any offsetting distance between two prosthetic components. Thisis accomplished by making an adjustment along a single offsetting axis52. A person must first determine the required or desired amount ofadjustment to be made between the prosthetic components. This is done byconsidering the distance that the components are offset in the lateralor medial directions 15 or 16, and the anterior or posterior directions17 or 18 and also the offset angle about a longitudinal axis. Then, thefirst member first end 60 is rotated with respect to the prostheticcomponent so that the channel longitudinal axis 67, and hence theoffsetting axis 52, is properly aligned to the offset angle, which iswithin plane 53. It is appreciated that the offsetting axis 52 isselectably adjustable to all angles lying within the plane 53 that aregenerally perpendicular to the offset alignment device longitudinal axis51. Next, the second member 75 is adjusted with respect to the firstmember 55 a selected distance delta along the offsetting axis 52. Thelast step is to lock the first member 55 into the selected position withrespect to the second member 75. This locking step is accomplished byinserting screws 72 through screw holes 71 and contacting the end of thescrews 72 against the sides 88 and 89 of the bar 86.

As an additional feature of the offset alignment device 50 of thepresent invention, once the proper orientation of the offsetting axis 52is determined, the first member 55 can be further rotated in ½revolutions with respect to the prosthetic component. After eachsuccessive ½ revolution, the offsetting axis 52 is again in the properorientation. However, each successive ½ revolution does have an effecton the longitudinal offset distance gamma, shown in FIG. 20. Changingthe longitudinal offset distance gamma changes the effective length ordistance between two prosthetic components that are connected to theoffset alignment device 50 of the present invention. Hence, according tothis feature of the present invention, the overall length of aprosthetic component containing the present invention is longitudinallyadjustable.

Thus it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with theinvention, a device for offsetting prosthetic components that fullysatisfies the objects, aims and advantages as set forth above. While theinvention has been described in conjunction with specific embodimentsthereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, andvariations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of theforegoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all suchalternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the spiritand broad scope of the appended claims.

1. An alignment device for being used with prosthetic components, saidalignment device having an alignment device longitudinal axis andcomprising: A. a first member comprising: i. a first member first endconnectable to a first prosthetic component; and ii. a first membersecond end having a channel therethrough with a channel longitudinalaxis; and B. a second member comprising: i. a second member first endconnectable to a second prosthetic component; and ii. a second membersecond end comprising a bar with a bar longitudinal axis for beingreceived within and secured to said channel of said first member, andfor being selectably offset from said first member in a directiongenerally parallel to said channel longitudinal axis, and wherein one ofsaid first member first end and said second member first end isthreadably connectable to one of the first prosthetic component and thesecond prosthetic component, respectively, to allow said alignmentdevice to be rotatably connected to said one of the first prostheticcomponent and the second prosthetic component such that the orientationof said channel longitudinal axis is selectably adjustable to anyorientation lying in a plane that is generally perpendicular to saidalignment device longitudinal axis.
 2. The alignment device of claim 1wherein said first member first end comprises a threaded externalsurface.
 3. The alignment device of claim 1 wherein said first memberfirst end comprises an internally threaded clamp.
 4. The alignmentdevice of claim 1 wherein said second member first end comprises apyramid.
 5. The alignment device of claim 1 wherein said second memberfirst end comprises a pyramidal receiver.
 6. The alignment device ofclaim 1 wherein said one of said first member first end and said secondmember first end that is threadably connectable to said one of the firstprosthetic component and the second prosthetic component, respectively,can be further rotated a selected number of one half revolutions withrespect to said one of the first prosthetic component and the secondprosthetic component to maintain said selected orientation of saidchannel longitudinal axis and to selectably adjust the distance betweenthe first prosthetic component connectable to said first member firstend and the second prosthetic component connectable to said secondmember first end.
 7. The alignment device of claim 1 wherein: A. saidfirst member second end has a hole therethrough into said channel andthat is generally perpendicular to said channel longitudinal axis; andB. said alignment device further comprises a screw for being receivedthrough said hole and for contacting said bar for securing said bar inplace within said channel.
 8. An alignment device for being used withprosthetic components, said alignment device having an alignment devicelongitudinal axis and comprising: A. a first member comprising: i. afirst member first end connectable to a first prosthetic component; andii. a first member second end having a channel therethrough, saidchannel defining an alignment axis and having two side walls with atleast one hole through at least one of said two side walls; and B. asecond member comprising: i. a second member first end connectable to asecond prosthetic component; and ii. a second member second endcomprising a bar for being received within and secured to said channelof said first member, wherein said first member is selectably offsetablefrom said second member by moving said bar within said channel alongsaid alignment axis, and wherein at least one screw is insertablethrough said at least one hole through said at least one of said twoside walls to engage said bar and frictionally hold said bar in aselected position with respect to said channel.
 9. The alignment deviceof claim 8 wherein: A. said first member is rotatably connected to afirst prosthetic component; and B. said alignment axis lies in a planegenerally perpendicular to said alignment device longitudinal axis andis adjustable to any selected orientation in said plane by selectablyrotating said first member with respect to the first prostheticcomponent that is connectable to said first member first end.
 10. Thealignment device of claim 9 wherein said first member first end isexternally threaded and the first prosthetic component is internallythreaded.
 11. The alignment device of claim 8 wherein said at least onehole through at least one of said two side walls comprises at least onehole through both of said two side walls.
 12. In combination: A. a firstprosthetic component; B. a second prosthetic component having a threadedend; and C. an alignment device defining a longitudinal axis and that isselectably internally adjustably offsetable along an alignment axis thatis generally perpendicular to said longitudinal axis, and is connectableto said first prosthetic component and threadably connectable to saidsecond prosthetic component, wherein said alignment device is rotatableon said threaded end of said second prosthetic component so that saidalignment axis is adjustable to any selected orientation in a plane thatis generally perpendicular to said longitudinal axis, and said alignmentdevice can be adjusted along said alignment axis to offset said firstprosthetic component from said second prosthetic component a selecteddistance in said any selected orientation in said plane that isgenerally perpendicular to said longitudinal axis.
 13. The combinationof claim 12 wherein: A. said second prosthetic component threaded end isinternally threaded; and B. said alignment device has an externallythreaded end for being rotatable on said threaded end of said secondprosthetic component.
 14. The combination of claim 12 wherein saidalignment device is further rotatable on said threaded end of saidsecond prosthetic component a selected number of additional one halfrevolutions with respect to said second prosthetic component toselectively adjust a distance between said first prosthetic componentand said second prosthetic component in a direction generally parallelto said longitudinal axis.
 15. The combination of claim 12 wherein saidalignment device has a channel and corresponding shaped bar, said bardefining said alignment axis and being adjustably offsetable from saidchannel along said alignment axis.
 16. The combination of claim 15wherein said channel has a side wall with a hole and said alignmentdevice further comprises a screw for being inserted through said hole ofsaid side wall and for contacting said bar to frictionally hold said barin an intended position within said channel.
 17. In combination: A. afirst prosthetic component; B. a second prosthetic component having athreaded end; and C. an alignment device defining a longitudinal axisand that is selectably internally adjustably offsetable along analignment axis that is generally perpendicular to said longitudinalaxis, and is connectable to said first prosthetic component andthreadably connectable to said second prosthetic component, wherein saidalignment device is rotatable on said threaded end of said secondprosthetic component to selectably adjust a distance between said firstprosthetic component and said second prosthetic component in a directiongenerally parallel with said longitudinal axis, and wherein saidalignment device can be adjusted along said alignment axis to offsetsaid first prosthetic component from said second prosthetic component aselected distance in a plane generally perpendicular to saidlongitudinal axis.
 18. The combination of claim 17 wherein: A. saidsecond prosthetic component threaded end is internally threaded; and B.said alignment device has an externally threaded end for being rotatableon said threaded end of said second prosthetic component.
 19. Thecombination of claim 17 wherein said alignment device has a channel andcorresponding shaped bar, said bar defining said alignment axis andbeing adjustably offsetable from said channel along said alignment axis.20. The combination of claim 19 wherein said channel has a side wallwith a hole and said alignment device further comprises a screw forbeing inserted through said hole of said side wall and for contactingsaid bar to frictionally hold said bar in an intended position withinsaid channel.
 21. The combination of claim 17 wherein the orientation ofsaid alignment axis can be selectively adjusted within a plane generallyparallel to said longitudinal axis by rotating said alignment device onsaid threaded end of said second prosthetic component.
 22. Incombination: A. a first prosthetic component; B. a second prostheticcomponent; and C. an assembly having a longitudinal axis and analignment axis that lies in a plane generally perpendicular to saidlongitudinal axis, said assembly comprising: i. a first end connectableto said first prosthetic component; ii. a second end connectable to saidsecond prosthetic component; iii. means for selectably offsetting saidfirst prosthetic component and said second prosthetic component in adirection generally parallel to said alignment axis, wherein said meansfor selectably offsetting said first prosthetic component and saidsecond prosthetic component is located at an interface between saidfirst end and said second end; and iv. means for selectably displacingsaid first prosthetic component from said second prosthetic component ina direction generally parallel to said longitudinal axis, wherein saidmeans for selectably displacing said first prosthetic component fromsaid second prosthetic component is located at least at one of aninterface between said assembly and said first prosthetic component andan interface between said assembly and said second prosthetic component.23. The combination of claim 22 wherein: A. said second prostheticcomponent has a threaded end; B. said second end of said assembly isthreaded; and C. said second end of said assembly can be rotated on saidthreaded end of said second prosthetic component.
 24. A method ofaligning a prosthetic limb comprising the steps of: A. providing a firstprosthetic component having a threaded end; B. providing a secondprosthetic component; C. providing an alignment device comprising afirst end that is threadably connectable to the threaded end of thefirst prosthetic component, and a second end that is connectable to thesecond prosthetic component, wherein the alignment device has alongitudinal axis and an alignment axis that lies in a plane generallyperpendicular to the longitudinal axis; D. inspecting the location ofthe first and second prosthetic components in relation to each other todetermine the required amount of adjustment of the first prostheticcomponent relative to the second prosthetic component in order to placethe first and second prosthetic components into a selected alignment, E.rotating the alignment device on the threaded end of the firstprosthetic component until the alignment axis is in a selectedorientation in a plane generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis,wherein the alignment device in oriented to adjust the second prostheticcomponent relative to the first prosthetic component in thelateral-medial direction and the anterior-posterior direction by makinga single adjustment to the alignment device along the alignment axis; F.locking the alignment device on the threaded end of the first prostheticcomponent after the selected orientation is achieved; G. adjusting thesecond end of the alignment device relative to the first end of thealignment device in a direction generally parallel to the alignment axisa selected distance to align the first prosthetic component with thesecond prosthetic component to the selected alignment; and H. lockingthe first end of the alignment device in the selected position withrespect to the second end of the alignment device.
 25. The method ofclaim 24, after the step of rotating the alignment device on thethreaded end of the first prosthetic component until the alignment axisis in a selected orientation in a plane generally perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis, comprising further the step of further rotating thealignment device on the threaded end of the first prosthetic componentin increments of ½ revolutions in order to selectably adjust thedistance between the first and second prosthetic components.
 26. Themethod of claim 24 wherein the step of providing an alignment devicefurther comprises providing an alignment device with a channel definingthe alignment axis and a bar shaped complimentary to the channel and forbeing adjustably received within the channel.
 27. The method of claim 26wherein the step of providing an alignment device further comprisesproviding a hole through the channel for receiving a screw and the stepof locking the first end of the alignment device in the selectedposition with respect to the second end of the alignment devicecomprises the step of inserting a screw through the hole through thechannel and selectably making the screw contact the bar.